The Best Daycare Centers in Englewood, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Englewood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Englewood
Primrose School of Littleton at Highlands Ranch
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Littleton at Highlands Ranch follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academic readiness. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and creative arts, delivered by degreed early childhood educators. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. They emphasize hands-on learning experiences and maintain low student-teacher ratios to ensure individualized attention. The school serves families throughout the south Denver metro area, including Englewood residents.
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The Goddard School of Littleton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Littleton offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program, focusing on academic, social, emotional, and physical development. Their faculty includes early childhood professionals with degrees and ongoing training in child development. The facility features modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and secure keypad entry systems. Their comprehensive curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social skills, with daily communication to parents through their mobile app. Located just minutes from Englewood, they serve families across the southern Denver metropolitan area.
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La Petite Academy of Englewood
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy of Englewood provides comprehensive early education programs with a focus on school readiness through their Links to Learning® curriculum. The center features age-specific learning environments, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas designed for different developmental stages. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and implements individualized learning plans. The program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development while incorporating technology and creative arts. As an established local center, they have served Englewood families for nearly two decades with flexible scheduling options and nutritious meal programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Englewood, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Englewood, CO, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Englewood, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants, you can expect to pay between $1,600 to $2,200 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Home-based daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $800 to $1,500 monthly. These rates are generally in line with the Denver metro area. For financial assistance, Colorado's Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) is the primary state-administered resource, with eligibility based on income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, the City of Englewood's Human Services department can provide guidance on local resources and scholarships. Some centers also offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Englewood, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in Englewood can be lengthy, especially for infant care. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Be proactive: get on multiple lists, follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to confirm your spot, and consider being flexible with your start date. Exploring options in adjacent neighborhoods like Littleton, Centennial, or Sheridan can also increase availability. Many parents find that licensed family childcare homes have shorter wait times and can provide excellent, personalized care.
What are the licensing requirements and safety regulations for childcare providers in Englewood, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
All childcare providers in Englewood must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), which enforces strict regulations covering staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety standards, staff qualifications, and facility requirements. For example, ratios for infants (0-12 months) are 1:5, and for toddlers (1-2 years) it's 1:7. You can and should verify a provider's license status, inspection history, and any reported violations through the official Colorado Shines website. This public portal provides detailed quality ratings (Level 1-5) and reports. Additionally, the Tri-County Health Department (serving Arapahoe County, which includes Englewood) conducts health and sanitation inspections. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your tour.
Are there specific childcare options in Englewood for parents with non-traditional work hours (evenings, weekends, or overnight)?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours in Englewood can be challenging, as most traditional centers operate between 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Your best options are typically licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible hours, and specialized 24-hour daycare centers, though these are rare in the immediate area. Some providers in the broader Denver metro may offer evening or weekend care. We recommend using the search filters on Colorado Shines to look for providers who advertise "non-traditional hours." Another valuable resource is seeking referrals through local parent groups on social media (like Englewood Moms Facebook groups) or considering a nanny share with other families in similar situations, which can offer greater scheduling flexibility.
What enrichment programs or unique educational philosophies are commonly offered by daycare centers and preschools in Englewood?
Englewood's childcare landscape offers a diverse mix of educational approaches. You'll find centers employing popular philosophies like Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and play-based learning. Many programs incorporate enrichment activities directly into their curriculum, such as weekly music and movement classes, introductory Spanish, yoga for kids, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities. Given Englewood's proximity to nature, several centers emphasize outdoor education and have dedicated garden spaces or frequent park visits. The city's partnership with the Englewood Public Library also means many preschools participate in regular storytime visits. When touring, ask about their daily schedule to see how these enrichments are integrated and whether there are additional fees.
Childcare Insights for Englewood
Finding quality and affordable childcare is one of the most significant decisions for families in Englewood, and understanding the local landscape of daycare costs is the essential first step. As a parent searching for "daycare cost near me" in Englewood, Colorado, you’re likely discovering a wide range of prices that can feel overwhelming. The cost of full-time daycare here typically reflects the high quality of care and education available in our community, with averages often ranging from approximately $1,400 to over $2,000 per month for an infant. This variation isn't arbitrary; it's deeply influenced by several factors specific to our area.
The type of facility you choose will be a primary driver of cost. Larger childcare centers in Englewood, especially those with accredited early childhood education programs or specialized curricula, often command higher tuition rates. These centers provide structured environments with multiple caregivers and dedicated learning spaces, which can be a great fit for many families. In contrast, licensed home-based daycares, which are plentiful in Englewood's residential neighborhoods, frequently offer a smaller, more intimate setting and can sometimes provide a more budget-friendly option, potentially saving you a few hundred dollars each month. The age of your child is another crucial factor; infant care is invariably the most expensive due to required lower caregiver-to-child ratios, with costs generally decreasing as your child moves into toddler and preschool programs.
Beyond the base tuition, it’s important for Englewood parents to budget for additional fees that can add up. Many facilities have an initial registration or enrollment fee, and some may charge extra for supplies, meals, or enrichment activities like music or yoga. When touring facilities, be sure to ask what is included in the weekly rate. Another local consideration is the potential impact of Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) program. If your child is four years old, they are likely eligible for 15 hours of free preschool per week, which can be applied at many licensed providers in Englewood, substantially offsetting your costs for that pre-kindergarten year.
Navigating these expenses requires a proactive strategy. Start your search early, as waitlists for desirable programs in Englewood can be long. Be direct in asking about any available sliding scale fees or sibling discounts during your consultations. Don’t overlook financial assistance options; explore programs like the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), which provides support to eligible families, and check if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which uses pre-tax dollars to pay for care. Remember, the right daycare is an investment in your child’s safety, development, and happiness. While the cost is a major practical concern, finding a place in Englewood where your child thrives and you feel confident and secure is ultimately priceless. Taking the time to understand the local cost structure will empower you to make the best possible choice for your family’s unique needs and budget.